The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/163881
examples of incidents are great tools for raising awareness and can serve as a starting point for discussion. When doing this, it's best for names and identifiable particulars to be left out to protect those involved. When raising awareness, input from both the leadership and those who will use or implement the system can bring new information that is valuable in evaluating possible solutions. THE TECHNOLOGYENABLED DIVORCE by Christopher M. Craig of Craig Associates TELL A STORY When proposing a solution (for which you have already laid the groundwork), a wellprepared presentation with supporting data and visuals that are easy to understand can make all the difference. Even when working with highly intelligent people, a story is what makes the information connect, so real-life examples are what people usually carry with them when they leave the conference room. The most powerful stories are those that closely parallel things your firm does or plans to do. GET ADOPTED By educating and involving your firm's members, gathering solid data and realistic analysis, building trust and awareness, and telling a story, you can identify the right solutions and help get them successfully adopted. Most attorneys would agree that DIY divorces are ill-advised. However, I have had success recently with a related notion: technology-enabled divorce. Traditionally, collaborative family law attorneys manage divorce mediation manually, spending a great deal of time and effort on the piles of paperwork courts require. This, in turn, all adds to client fees and, let's face it — paperwork is a drag. I've been participating in a beta test for a new process and software called Wevorce. The Wevorce process offers a well thought-out framework so clients know what to expect from the beginning, with experts to guide them through each step along the way. The team consists of a legal mediator (attorney), a co-parenting mediator (family counselor) and a fiscal mediator (CFP or CPA). Families are taken through a six-step progression, and the software captures all pertinent information as it is entered. Educational information is provided throughout in the form of videos, with hands-on activities and tools for the couple to improve communication and co-parenting skills. I have found when using this software, I am a better counselor — I can concentrate on my clients rather than worry about what's next. Information is entered as each session progresses, and at the end, the final, handtailored co-parenting plan and divorce settlement are created. As a result, clients are arriving at an amicable resolution quickly and at a fraction of the cost. Even more important, the agreements are durable, and the clients have a strong foundation built on mutual respect, helping them to be better co-parents. Technology needn't threaten attorneys, and this particular technology can be a powerful communication tool for a strong mediator who knows the law. Peer to Peer 87